Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan delivered a speech on Wednesday, cautioning that President Trump's trade war could have severe repercussions for the economy while maintaining a bipartisan tone.
“Tariffs need to be used like a scalpel, not a hammer,” Whitmer stated at an event near the White House, expressing uncertainty about the strategic benefits of the current tariff policies for the American economy and consumers.
Throughout her address, Whitmer avoided direct criticism of Trump, contrasting with other Democrats who have been more outspoken against him. She shared positive experiences from meetings with Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, despite warning that the administration's policies could lead to economic collapse.
Whitmer characterized Trump's tariff approach as unstable and detrimental to corporations reliant on economic consistency. “Some days it is negotiable; some days, it’s this percentage or it’s this percentage,” she remarked, emphasizing that consumers ultimately bear the cost of tariffs.
Repeatedly highlighting her commitment to bipartisanship, Whitmer urged elected officials from both parties to collaborate on creating more manufacturing jobs. “There’s a lot more common ground here than we think,” she said, pointing out that public division is often exaggerated by politicians and media.
Her measured remarks contrasted sharply with those of other Democratic leaders, such as Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, who directly blamed Trump for the economic challenges posed by tariffs. Shapiro criticized the president’s actions as harmful to small businesses and consumers.
Similarly, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker referred to the tariffs as “Trump’s tax on working families,” while Minnesota Governor Tim Walz claimed Trump was damaging the American economy and lacked business acumen.
In recent weeks, Democrats have gained momentum, winning significant contests and organizing protests against the Trump administration. However, there is a growing consensus within the party that a more aggressive stance against the wealthy elite is necessary.
Whitmer's approach diverges from this trend, as she emphasized the need for leaders to focus on constructive solutions rather than fostering anger. “We want leaders who are not just focusing on keeping us angry with one another, but where do we get to where we want to be,” she concluded.